Competition: SRI Research Project #3 - Multi-Objective Fiction Prompt

Justinios Drake has found the smallest morsel of intel that may lead the Sphere of Research and Intelligence to a bright future. Datapads recovered by Andrelious J. Mimosa-Inahj indicate that former Collective cybernetics researcher Torin Morgath had not only left the organization but may have been working with Kagu Shi. WIth the Collective still a major threat, and the protection of Shi’s Syndicate now gone, there is a good chance that Morgath is in dire need of allies. Justinios Drake has made the decision that the SRI would be the scientist’s savior and through his burgeoning backchannels has put out an offer to the elusive scientist.

A time and place for a meeting has been set in the Consortium of Free Merchants Sector on Chyron. You and your team have been chosen by Quaestor Drake to meet with Torin Morgath and return with her, intact, to the SRI.

Multi-Prompt

Prompt #1 (Positive Morality): Torin Morgath picked a highly populated meeting location and you will not do anything to harm any bystanders or make the operation known to outside entities. Any fighting is minimized and is only in self-defense. Killing is only done in the heat of battle but is avoided if at all possible. By the end of your story Torin Morgath joins the SRI of her own free will by whatever justification you determine makes sense for the character and the organization.

Prompt #2 (Negative Morality): You don’t ask, you tell. Morgath is taken back to the SRI, alive, by whatever means necessary. Whether she likes it or not Torin Morgath ends up in the custody of the SRI by the end of your story. Additionally, with the meeting occurring in such a high traffic area some collateral damage, and unwanted attention, should result from your actions.

Rules

Entries must be a minimum of 500 words. Any entries that are under 500 words will be marked as Disqualified.

There is no maximum word cap.

Your story should be centered on your Main or Alternative character. Slotted NPCs, Wikipedia NPCs, or other characters that you create or invent to tell your story are not only allowed, but encouraged. However, your narrative should focus around either your Main or Alternative character.

A snapshot of your Main or Alternative character loadout must be selected and submitted with your entry.

With either prompt your story must end with Torin Morgath alive, healthy, intact and in the custody of the SRI. Submissions that don’t meet this qualification will not be eligible for placement. I’m sorry but we need a Supreme Director at some point.

For both prompts remember that Rian has standing orders that no evidence can be left linking any activities of Force Users back to Taldryan. Incorporate this fact into your stories as it best applies to your character.

Ahh… such an uncivilized place. Joe sighed to himself as he stood, in the dark and pouring rain, outside the cantina. “Yep this is the place.” He said as he checked the information on his data pad. He pulled the hood of his black cloak over his head and walked into the cantina. Once inside, he began to, what appeared to others, aimlessly wander through the cantina. In reality he knew exactly where he was going. Rather than follow the directions he was given on the datapad, Joe decided to follow his instincts and they were telling him to go up to the third level of the cantina and into the back storage room. There he would find the information broker he came to find. Found it. Joe thought to himself as he stood in front of the storage room door. Joe quickly looked around making sure he was alone in the hallway before he reached out to the Force and with a wave of his hand the door slid open and Joe entered. “Hold it right there, pal!” Said a green, male Rodian as he held a blaster pointed at Joe. Typical alien scum. Joe thought amused as he held his empty hands above his head. “Password now!” Demanded the Rodian. “Six-Six-Seven-Four-Zero.” Joe said. “You’re late!” The Rodian said as he holstered his blaster. “Am I?” Joe stated nonchalantly as he walked over to the empty chair next to the Rodian. “Enough of this chit chat onto business.” Joe ordered. “Fine, but credits first.” The Rodian insisted holding out his palm. Joe placed a small bag full of credits into his palm. “That’s more like it. Now Morgath has agreed to meet at a party in an apartment complex seven blocks away from here in three hours. I’ve already sent the address to your datapad.” The Rodian explained to Joe. “Then that concludes our business here.” Joe said getting up. “Oh and there’s something you should know about those credits you’ve just acquired, they belonged to a man who was robbed and murdered last night.” Joe said walking out of the dark, empty room. “Money is money…it doesn’t matter where it comes from!” The Rodian said as he left the room after Joe. We’ll see about that. Joe thought as he headed back down stairs to get a drink. Now they should be here at any moment. Joe thought to himself as he sat in a booth adjacent to the one the Rodian was in. What Joe hadn’t told the Rodian information broker was that, before meeting him, Joe had called anonymously and told the police where they could trace the stolen money and find the perpetrator of the recent murder. Suddenly five police officers entered the cantina and surrounded the booth the Rodian was drinking in. “You are under arrest!” An officer said. Realizing he had been set up, the Rodian simply stared at Joe as the police led him,in cuffs, out of the cantina. Nothing personal “pal”. My orders were to leave no evidence and you were just a loose end that needed to be tied. Joe thought as he took one last sip of his Corellian Ale and left the cantina.

Three hours later on the top level of an apartment complex, stood Torin Morgath waiting with a drink in her hand. Suddenly she felt a tap on her shoulder come from behind her. She turned quickly to find a figure whose face and body was concealed by a large black cloak. If Morgath hadn’t known better she would’ve sworn she was imagining things. “Is this real or am I just really drunk right now!” Said Morgath over the loud music. “So we finally meet..Morgath.” Said the figure. “So it is real.” Morgath said. “Tell me why would someone like you be willing to betray what’s left of the Collective?” The figure asked. “Believe me I wasn’t until recently when I realized how much suffering the Collective has caused.” Morgath said. “It’s time they pay for their many atrocities. Including me too.” Morgath said and Joe could actually sense a feelings of remorse in her. “ Besides with Shi’s Syndicate gone I’m in need of some new... friends.” She slurred, placing her hand on Joe’s chest. “You’ve had too much to drink.” Joe said taking her glass away from her. “That is the only thing that helps me sleep at night.” Morgath said. “ Come on we’ve got to go.” Joe said taking her hand and walking out into the elevator. “So I guess this means I’m in the SRI now.” She slurred. “And that makes us partners.” She continued as she placed her arms around Joe’s waist. “O...our relationship is strictly business!” Joe blushed as they left the apartment complex and headed to the SRI headquarters.

The lights dim on Catmatui and a single spotlight shines on Torin. She looks past the audience.

Torin: You come to me, yet am I ready? Do I go willingly or flee? No, I wont go back. I am tired of running. I am yours to command. So what happens now?

A second spotlight snaps on Catmatui.

Catmatui: This is my chance to prove myself

Catmatui takes center stage and sings "On my own" from Les Miserables. After the audience applause lowers the house lights return to dim, showing only spotlights on Torin and Catmatui. A runner clears the stage of flowers.

Catmatui: Then there is no other way.

Catmatui begins to choke Torin. As Torin falls to the ground a bright light flashes and a spotlight appears on Raistline.

Raistline: What have you done, 24601? She came willingly.

The lights fade.

Intermission.

Act 2

The curtains open showing Justinios sitting upon a throne. Catmatui stands stage left, looking away from the throne. Stage right Raistline stands over the body of Torin.

Torin: What have I done to deserve this? I came willingly!

Justinios: Talk to me Torin Morgath. You have been brought here manacled and beaten.

Catmatui: That sounds familiar.

Torin: I only want to help.

Raistline (gesturing at Torin): She only wants to help

(aside) We shall kill her in the third act

Catmatui: Methinks that she is terrified enough to give her life to the project.

Justinios stares off blankly. Children are brought up on the stage to try to break his stare. He only blinks.

Torin: You are all crazy. I must help you so that I may escape.

Raistline selects a female audience member and brings them onstage. After revealing to her he has nothing up his sleaves he preforms "the rope" magic trick. The lights dim and he performs the song "How can I love him" while dancing around Justinios' tranced body.

Thunder rolls. Macavity appears and steals away Torin and Justinios.

Raistline: If only we had a major hit.

Catmatui: How about a major hit song?

Catmatui begins to sing "Turn back time." Macavity reappears then dissapears. Torrin and Justinios reappear, Justinios no longer in a trance.

The full cast comes center stage to preform the Cardigan's "Love Fool."